UK CV template

A CV laid out the way UK employers and recruitment agencies expect: a personal profile, key skills with evidence, employment history, then degree, A-levels and GCSEs. It is written in British English and leaves out the personal details a UK CV should not include.

Templates

CV template (UK) (document): A one-page UK CV with a personal profile, key skills, employment history and A-level and GCSE results, written in British English with no photo or date of birth, as UK employers expect.
ATS-friendly resume (document): A one-page resume built to pass applicant tracking systems: single column, standard section headings, plain bullets and a keyword-rich skills line that ATS software reads correctly. Use it for any online job application.

How to use these templates

Open the UK CV and tell the AI your current role, sector and the job you are applying for.
Fill in your qualifications in UK terms, such as a 2:1 degree, A-level grades and GCSEs at 9–4, or say if you studied abroad and ask it to describe them clearly.
Ask it to "check this uses British spelling" if you have pasted in text from elsewhere.
Download as Word, which most UK agencies prefer, or as PDF for direct applications.

What a UK CV leaves out, and what it keeps

Leave out your photo, date of birth, age, marital status, nationality and religion. The Equality Act 2010 protects these characteristics, and many employers remove CVs that include them to avoid bias.
A town and county is enough for your address; a full street address is not needed.
Two pages is normal in the UK for anyone with a few years' experience. Graduates should still aim for one.
If you need a visa or already have the right to work in the UK, say so in a line under your contact details. It answers a question every employer has.
Use British spelling and terms: organised, programme, CV, mobile, "2:1" and "A-levels", not GPA.
"References available on request" is optional and many recruiters now consider it filler; cut it if you are short of space.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a UK CV and a US resume?

They are much the same document. A UK CV is often two pages, opens with a personal profile, lists A-levels and GCSEs, and uses British spelling. A US resume is usually one page and lists GPA instead.

Should I include a cover letter with a UK CV?

Yes, unless the advert says not to. Even a short covering email that names the role and two reasons you fit makes a difference.

Do I need to list my GCSEs?

Graduates and people early in their career should, especially English and Maths. After a few years of work, a single line such as "9 GCSEs including English and Maths" is enough.

Is this CV template suitable for Ireland?

Yes. Irish CVs follow the same conventions. Swap A-levels and GCSEs for your Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate results.